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Photography by Edward C. Robison III

Night Adventure

In Night Adventure, a play of shadows animates an abandoned interior. Marvin Cone’s depiction of the baseboards, panel door, trim, and stairs of a home draws attention to the geometries of everyday space. The scene is uneasy, however, as the proportions of the doorways and the angles of the building seem askew. Two doors leading to unknown spaces stand open, prompting the viewer to wonder what is beyond. By focusing closely on a passageway, a generally overlooked place, Cone creates a sense of anticipation and uncertainty.

ArtistMarvin Cone(1891-1965)
Date1951
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions28 1/4 x 34 1/4 x 2 in.
Signedl.r., in beige paint: MARVIN / CONE
Inscription(s)verso, on stretcher, in pen: "NIGHT ADVENTURE"
Credit LinePromised Gift to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas
ClassificationPainting
On ViewYes
Night Adventure28.3 × 34.3 in.Tennis Ball2.7 in. diameter

This artwork's face covers about 133× the area of a tennis ball.Drawn to the same scale.